Prayers said for former Peterborough teacher who died in Welsh car crash

Jan Stephens died with her partner Charlie in the accident on Friday.

Mrs Stephens taught at All Saints Primary School, and was also a popular member of the All Saints Church, in Park Road.

Today Rev Greg Roberts, from the church said prayers had been said in memory of the couple over the weekend.

He said: “Jan was part of many groups here. She was very much at the heart of the church. She was lively and happy, and threw herself into community life here.

“We held a service on Sunday where prayers were said for her and Charlie. All the way through it was about our grief for her. The news has hit people very hard here. One person said her ambition was to be as good a teacher as Jan was.

“Our 10am service on Thursday will be a Requiem for her, which people can come to.”

Rachael Hutchinson, head teacher at All Saints’ Church of England Primary School, where Mrs Stephens worked for 20 years, said: “Jan was a much loved teacher and deputy head teacher at All Saints and kept in regular touch with us since she retired 10 years’ ago. She was a kind generous lady who was a supportive colleague who was full of fun and laughter.

“Many of her former colleagues and pupils will remember her very fondly, in particular for her inspirational teaching and commitment to getting to know each and every one of her pupils.

“We are all extremely saddened by the news and Jan will be greatly missed by staff, governors, parents and former pupils alike.”

Since the news broke, people have been paying tribute to Jan on social media.

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson said: “I only knew Jan for few years. Kind, caring, loved kids & loved by them, centre of the Church community #RIP”

Steve Thorpe wrote: “A lovely lady. She taught my son at All Saints. Very sad news.”

Toby Wood said: “Very sad to hear of death of Jan Stevens, one of those teachers who deserved a long, happy life.”

Clare McAuley said: “I will never forget your stories at the end of the day. RIP Mrs Stephens x”

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More: Former Peterborough teacher killed in collision in Wales